Endometriosis - a condition where tissue that acts like the lining of your uterus—called endometrium—grows outside of the uterus, where it doesn't belong. These out-of-place growths, called lesions or implants, can cause severe pain and inflammation throughout the month. They often grow around the pelvic region but can attach to various organs in the body as well. (Speak Endo)
I could go on for days about how much Endometriosis has sucked, but that wouldn’t be helpful to you ladies. What is helpful however, is that my stubborn ass decided I wasn’t going to stay sick.
You don’t have to stay sick either.
A little background.
While I did not realize it at the time, I always had abnormally bad periods. I was told they were normal. In 2008 it got to the point where I almost passed out from pain and lightheadedness while on my cycle. I realized then that all of the scattered health issues that had been developing (digestion problems, cramps, dizziness etc) were connected to my cycle.
Jump to 2014 - my digestion had locked up so badly that I was no longer absorbing nutrients. I became very thin and started losing my hair on top of all of the other pain I was going through. My Gyno suggested we do a diagnostic surgery because she was pretty positive I had Endometriosis.
She was right.
The surgery.
During the laparoscopic surgery - my Doctor removed the endometriosis tissue/cysts, untangled my intestines, removed my appendix, put my uterus back in place and sent me on way with Ibuprofen. I kid you not. It was THE MOST painful experience of my life. Learn from my mistakes and check your prescriptions before leaving the hospital :)
Post-op - my Doctor told me there was “no cure” for Endo. An IUD was given to me to “slow” the spread of the condition. Multiple doctors told me there was no “proven diet” that worked for Endo, even when I came to them in tears.
I was 24 years old at the time. The second that my doctor told me there was no cure was also the second that I decided I was NOT going to be sick for the rest of my life.
Since surgery, I’ve spent every single month taking notes on my cycle. Documenting what works and what doesn’t in terms of food, exercise, recovery, supplements, alternative treatments etc
I will offer a series of blogs on the specifics in the future but for the purposes of this blog - I want to provide you with outlets for help.
The real treatment.
I realize that not all services will be covered by health insurance but if you can swing it, they really can help heal you. Well worth it in the long run and for your immediate sanity. Your health is your best investment!
Who to look for in your city -
A doctor that combines eastern and western medicine - I personally am not a fan of birth control as “treatment.” Nutritional healing and lifestyle management has helped me more than anything. Finding a doctor that can help you on the wellness side of things will be extremely beneficial. If you are in NYC - I highly recommend Dr. Yusuf Mamdani. He’s knowledgable of Endometriosis and takes a holistic approach to healing. Ask him questions! He likes to teach.
A Nutritionist - Due to the stress, medications and hormone fluctuations that come with Endometriosis - accompanying digestive issues are very common. Look for a good nutritionist that focuses on gut health as well as hormone-healthy diets. Your weight should not be the first focus here. Healing your insides should.
A Soft Tissue Specialist - Look for specialists in your area that offer medical massages and/or lymphatic drainage massages. Releasing tight muscles and scar tissue from your cycles/surgeries will offer immediate relief. If you are in NYC, reach out to Fitness360. They have a specific approach to soft tissue treatment for Endometriosis and will show you self-care techniques as well.
Pelvic Floor Therapy - Pelvic floor therapy focuses on relaxation and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, which tend to get weak/tight as we “move away” from the pain that Endo causes (think back pain, uncontrollable bladder / bowel movements etc). A good massage therapist may offer this treatment or they can probably refer you to someone who does.
Mental Wellness - Meditation, therapy, Reiki, acupuncture and/or acupressure etc — anything to improve your energy and relax you. One of the biggest triggers for Endo flareups is STRESS. Learning how to manage that is key.
Stay tuned for Endo-specific approaches to diet, exercise and recovery.